Chocolate has antioxidant-rich phytochemicals called flavanols. Although chocolate have some healthful antioxidants it is still considered a treat food by professional dietitians. It is not a health food. Walnuts on the other hand are loaded with nutritional benefits.

Some researchers think the cocoa bean may improve blood flow and reduce the formation of clots. The Kuna Indians of Panama are heavy consumers of cocoa. They boast an unusually low amount of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Harvard researchers found that chocolate eaters lived a year longer than abstainers. Most believe chocolate causes acne; this is not true. A small study done recently suggests the appearance of the skin of chocolate-eating women showed improvement.

If you are a chocolate lover, you are going to love hearing about this. It is a little known fact that chocolate can be beneficial to your health. This article will help give some insight on why chocolate is beneficial to your health. Eating chocolate can actually be heart healthy.

Chocolate contains flavonoids, that are great for your heart. What are flavonoids you ask? Flavonoids are found in many foods and beverages. Flavonoids are found in cranberries, apples, peanuts, red wine, tea, onions, and most importantly, chocolate just to name a few. Flavonoids act as antioxidants to our bodies. The definition that American Heritage Dictionary gives for flavonoid is any of a large group of water-soluble plant pigments, including the anthocyanins, that are beneficial to health.

There are now even more reasons for chocolate lovers to rejoice! As more amazing research news comes in about chocolate, the substance is moving from a bad-for-you candy to an important health food. Those of us who had always continued to indulge in occasional chocolate treats can stop feeling guilty and now easily justify our cravings.